technicality

noun

tech·​ni·​cal·​i·​ty ˌtek-nə-ˈka-lə-tē How to pronounce technicality (audio)
plural technicalities
1
: something technical
especially : a detail meaningful only to a specialist
a legal technicality
2
: the quality or state of being technical

Examples of technicality in a Sentence

These cases were dropped because of legal technicalities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The precision, the technicality, the painting of that picture was incredible. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025 But the law had not been tested in court, and plaintiffs have faced setbacks due to technicalities and the time lapse. Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 Hernandez has no criminal record beyond that technicality, but faced deportation nevertheless. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025 The Chiefs’ pass rush was non-existent, bringing Justin Herbert to the ground only once in the 21 dropbacks — and that came on a technicality. Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for technicality

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of technicality was in 1764

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Technicality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technicality. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

technicality

noun
tech·​ni·​cal·​i·​ty ˌtek-nə-ˈkal-ət-ē How to pronounce technicality (audio)
plural technicalities
1
: something technical
especially : a detail that means something only to a specialist
a legal technicality
2
: the quality or state of being technical

More from Merriam-Webster on technicality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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